The Atlanta Braves breaking news and discussions.

The Braves blow a late inning lead, and the Mariners win the series in Atlanta.

Watching last night’s game fall apart in the 8th inning was hard for any Atlanta Braves fan. The Braves had a1 run lead in the bottom of the 7th inning and the Braves had the opportunity to win the game and the series. The Braves were only 6 outs away from the win, but Braves manager Brian Snitker decided to give his set up pitchers in the bullpen a rest and allowed Braves former closer Jim Johnson an opportunity to pitch late in the game. The Seattle Mariners hit Johnson all over the field and a walk and a wild pitch from Johnson sealed the fate of the Braves game.

Brian Snitker justified his decision to use Jim Johnson late in the game to give his set up pitchers a break after pitching 2 straight games. Jim Johnson lost his closing role in late July and Arodys Vizcaino has taken over the role. Jim Johnson did not look good last night and he almost looked like a cartoon character who was lost and confused. Starting pitcher R.A. Dickey had a rough outing and allowed 4 earned runs but in typical Braves fashion the team was able to rally late and take the lead off of Matt Kemp’s single in the bottom of the 7th inning.

The Braves offense was productive last night. Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis both had 2 RBIs last night. The Braves had a small rally in the bottom of the 8th inning but they were unable to take the lead. Braves center fielder Ender Inciatre had a magnificent day at the plate and he was 4 for 5 at the plate. Despite the productive Inciatre the Braves offense was unable to over come the pitching disaster last night Ender Inciatre, Freddie Freeman, and Nick Markakis continue to shine at the plate. The Braves have problems in the clubhouse and it’s becoming obvious where a lot of the Braves problem come from, their manager Brian Snitker.

On the bright side rookie pitcher A.J. Minter made his major league debut last night. Minter came in the 9th inning and sat down all 3 batters he faced. Why Brian Snitker did not use Minter in the 8th inning instead of Jim Johnson is anyone’s guess. The Braves are not finishing the 2017 on a high note. Brian Snitker is a good baseball man and a good manager who has been with the Braves organization for many years. Look for the Braves to keep Brian Snitker in a front office job in the off season and find a new, younger dynamic manager. That decision is up to Braves president John Hart and general manager John Coppolella not a sports writer in South Carolina. I should learn my place and not offer my opinions, but I am a life long Braves fan. Watching the Braves playing so poorly this late in the season is frustrating. The Braves will start a new series tonight at SunTrust Park with the Colorado Rockies and Julio Teheran will take the mound. Hopefully Teheran will pitch well tonight at home, something he has not done often this season. GO BRAVES!!!!!